Rick Thomas - Senior Pastor
In 1978, at twenty six years old, I accepted Jesus Christ as the Lord and Savior of my life. I had no idea at the time that I was beginning an incredible journey with God that would see me though, as one writer put it, the best and the worst of times. My testimony today, some thirty-plus years later, is that God is entirely faithful. His goodness is amazing. His forgiveness is complete. His words are life-inspiring. And his love is eternal.

Thinking back to those early days, had someone said to me, "I think someday you’ll be a pastor." I would have literally laughed them to scorn. I absolutely knew nothing about the Bible. Yet here I am today, an ordained elder in the Free Methodist Denomination and the Senior Pastor of New Hope Church since 1992. Yes, God does some crazy things, but mostly he just does remarkable things!

I grew up in Dearborn Michigan, where I met my wife Marilyn in 1972. We have been married for over three and a half decades, and she is still the most important person in my life and my best friend. We have three wonderful children; Kristen, Ryan and Stephen, who are now grown up and following their own path with Jesus.

I have a Teaching Degree in History from the University of Michigan, and I am always fascinated with the various stories of mankind’s past. In 2006 I did archeology at Tel Dan, Israel (a sight occupied for over 5,000 years by various Mid-Eastern cultures) and in 2010 did archeology at Hovenweep National Monument, Colorado (a Pueblo Indian sight occupied from 800-1350 AD). Both experiences have expanded my appreciation, not only for the resourcefulness of the peoples of the past, but also for the modern conveniences we have today we all take for granted.

Concerning Christianity, having come from an agnostic position as a young man, and possessing an historical bent always, I’ve spent years investigating the information put forth in the Bible. Today I am thoroughly convinced of both its historical accuracy and modern relevancy. There has never been any other story compiled like the Bible. And there has never been any other person on earth like Jesus. I firmly believe Jesus Christ is the Messiah and the answer to the majority of mankind’s problems. I’d love to tell you why if you’ll stop by the church someday.

As a preacher, I try my best to be an effective communicator and desire to share the truths and principles of the Bible with as many people as I can. My favorite areas of theological study are Church History and Biblical Apologetics which are reflected in my sermons.

I also enjoy photography, sports, reading about biology and science, hiking in the deserts and mountains of Southwestern United States, but mostly just hanging around with Marilyn.

Ranay Brown - Associate Pastor
As far as the term "Pastor", let's just say I am not your usual pastor. Fortunately, God has gifted me, given me the honor and the calling to serve at New Hope church as Associate Pastor; I stay true to the calling!

I grew up in the small town, (which is no longer true) of Clarkston, Michigan. Being raised in a small town, where everyone knew everyone’s business caused a deep rebellion in me, which eventually took me to California to "find myself."
In California, I discovered a lot about myself and I found my husband too! 27 years later, we have two grown daughters, and three beautiful granddaughters! We have been in Michigan 21 years.

I never had any church experience or spiritual knowledge prior to 1992, which is the year I found God! My call to salvation and to ministry is totally out of the box... I didn’t know what it meant to serve God! My story is a powerful testimony of the awesomeness of God and His miraculous life-changing power in the human heart.

I am an ordained elder and serve as the Associate Pastor of Outreach & Youth at New Hope Church. I have been ministering at New Hope for over a decade, and God has taken me on an awesome journey being at this great church.

In my spare time I love cooking, creating new recipes and opening my home for food and fellowship! Most of all I love to share my testimony with the "soul" desire that people come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord.
Currently I am studying God’s word in the Old Testament books of the law. One of my favorite Christian books is "Forgotten God" by Francis Chan.
The reason I serve God, is because He has changed me, saved me, loved me, and forgiven me...


"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." Jesus Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

Jeremy Laura - Worship Pastor
Jeremy grew up in Milan Michigan. While in high school he developed a passion for music and studied piano and voice for several years. At age 17, Jeremy committed both his life and musical talents to Christ.

Jeremy went on to study vocal performance at Western Michigan University and continued in voice, piano, and guitar studies at Spring Arbor University. In 2003, he produced his very first CD, "My Only Pride". The single, "I Know A Man Named Jesus" was given an honorable mention in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest-highly acclaimed national competition.

In August of 1999, Jeremy was married to his wife Jennifer whom he met at one of his many concerts. "She's still my biggest fan", he notes. In March of 2000, Jeremy and Jen came to New Hope Church when Jeremy took over the position of Worship Director.

Jeremy enjoys sports, southern cooking, movies and especially loves writing songs and playing the guitar, the piano and the blues harp.

Pattie Courtney - Care Pastor / Small Groups Pastor
Pastor Pattie was born an Indiana Hoosier. She and her husband Larry met during their high school years and were married in 1984 and have been blessed with 4 children, Christy, Laura, Joey and Anna. They have been residents of Michigan and part of the New Hope Church family for over 20 years. She has served the Lord in a variety of ways during that time.

She received her calling into ministry in 1992 and is now actively pursuing that call as a Free Methodist Conference Ministerial Candidate. She is currently serving as the Care Ministries and Small Groups Pastor. Along with a great team of Care ministers they meet the many needs of the congregation through visitation, care, meals, prayer, encouragement and spiritual refreshment. As Small Groups pastor, she oversees the activities of our small group bible studies and is actively leading two of these groups. "The delight of my heart is to see all of God's people growing in their faith and moving forward toward a life of maturity in Christ."

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing."

(John 15:5)